Spirit of the Light

Chapter Two

It was It was not the early morning breeze, nor the chirping of birds that awoke Seraph. No. It was indeed the clattering and thumping of heels and boots outside her doors.

Specifically, the boots of guards. And heels of maids.

"Awake her at once. They are here earlier than we expected. Ready her and ensure she looks somewhat decent for once." Seraph scoffed at her father's booming voice.

She supposed she did dress a little scruffy some days when she would plan to spar, ride the stallions and wander the gardens. She also supposed that had been more frequently than just some days. More than the princess in her would like to admit.

"She will be meeting with him for breakfast in the breakfast room." Her mouth went dry at the king's words.

She hoped to Selah himself that this was not concerning who she predicted it was. It was in this moment that Seraph realised she really despised surprises.

Her bedroom doors flung open upon her father's demands and suddenly her room was swarming with maids. Maids who would be tutting and critiquing over every aspect of Seraph.

Over the span of what felt like forever, the maids had transformed her. Seraph's golden-flecked, brown eyes were highlighted with white liner around her lids. A barely noticeable glitter blessed her cheekbones, making her glow in the sunlight. Her blonde, luscious hair was brushed back into a half-up hairdo. Braids were scattered around her loose hair with tiny golden suns dispersed within her waves making her look like Light itself.

She gaped at the reflection of her body in the mirror. The finest silks of gold draped to her feet. Her gown had a low, heart-shaped neck, revealing the generous swells of her breasts. The bodice had matching golden suns from her hair placed in patterns of swirls, covering the entirety of the gown, beginning from just above her belly button.

She decided she looked good. Although she felt like a prized mare, she felt nice in this dress. Almost like she belonged.

A slight tapping sounded at her doors. Moments later, her mother strutted in, holding a small, golden tiara with one singular turquoise diamond placed in the middle of the golden sun centred on it. She set it down on the vanity beside Seraph.

Silver lined her mother's eyes. "You look beautiful."

"Thank you, mother." Seraph still felt her blood heat at yesterdays encounter with the queen.

"I know you may still be mad. I understand. I-," Her mother stammered. "I'm sorry if I was harsh. I wish I could tell you everything, but now isn't the time. We need you to play a part in a plan that could change a lot. Your father and I need you. Your kingdom needs you."

Seraph felt her anger rise again. Her mother may have been betrothed to her father, but at least she was not shipped off to a different kingdom.

Her mother was from one of the wealthy families of Ohren. Daughter of one of the finest families of the kingdom. It was not an alliance formed between kingdoms which resented one another.

Seraph's father and mother may have just sold their daughter to a pack of hungry wolves, ready to pounce at any moment. And Seraph felt confused on why.

The Region of Dusk was forged from moon magic. A magic that repelled light. Its castle had been said to be illuminated by moonlight alone, flames of blue haunting its hallways. Seraph felt a cool breeze crawl down her spine at the thought of being in her enemy's hands.

If she did not fit in here, she certainly would not fit into the Dusk castle one bit. This seemed almost as horrendous as entering Araphel.

"Mother, I need to know why. How can I go blindly into our enemy's house, dine with them, live with them and, most of all, learn to have peace with them?" Seraph was beginning to realise she had little choice. She knew force was something her kingdom was not opposed to. She would be sent away whether she accepted or refused.